Kayla is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2019 from Quinnipiac University. Kayla has spent her OT career working in the school system where she gained experience working with students with ASD, Down Syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. She has experience supporting sensory processing needs, fine/gross motor skills, emotional regulation, and developing life skills. As a staff therapist at KidSHINE, Kayla is passionate about helping kids grow their skills and gain further success and independence.

In her free time, you can find Kayla outside reading a good book, baking her favorite desserts or spending time with her friends and family.

Jenny joins the KidSHINE staff as a recent graduate of the North Shore Community College, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, class of 2023. She completed one of her Level II Fieldworks at the Timberlane Learning Center, servicing Pre K- Kindergarten aged children. Jenny has 8 years of involvement with KidSHINE as a parent, intern, and now a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. 

Outside of KidSHINE, Jenny and her husband enjoy the busy schedules of their four children. In addition, she holds several volunteer roles. As a support group leader, she coordinates opportunities for families raising children with Down Syndrome to come together, connect, and navigate challenges they encounter. Jenny also has an enthusiasm for youth sports and exercise as she committed 10 years to coaching and eventually co-directing the MASCO Youth Field Hockey Program. She expresses her eagerness to contribute her expertise and experiences to the KidSHINE team. 

Marissa is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and recent graduate of North Shore Community College. Prior to becoming a COTA, Marissa’s flair for creativity led her to complete her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. For over 10 years, Marissa had worked with children of all ages who had a variety of diagnoses as an adaptive horseback riding instructor. As well, Marissa has taught yoga, palates and a variety of visual art classes in community and summer programs.

In her free time, Marissa enjoys weaving, spending time outdoors, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and hiking. Marissa finds great joy in sharing her passions with others, and seeing children achieve their goals as they partake in all that kidSHINE has to offer.

Melissa has been a certified occupational therapy assistant since 2017, after graduating from North Shore Community College. Melissa also has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, obtained in 2005. Melissa worked as a COTA in the Methuen Public School system gaining experience and knowledge working with children with strength and FM needs as well as various diagnoses, including ASD, ADHD, CP and others. Melissa also worked as a lead teacher in a Montessori style preschool from 2007 – 2014 and taught children’s yoga from 2009 – 2014. Melissa brings with her a passion for meeting children where they are at and offering that just right challenge, noting that empathy and understanding are integral for creating a bond and a base needed for lasting impressions on her clients.

Melissa values exercise and movement for the health of mind and body and enjoys running, hiking, yoga, dancing, and any activities that involve moving.

Lydia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University in 2013 and her BA in English Literature from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Lydia’s experience as a therapist has been varied in setting and age group, and she has 8 years of experience helping kids and supporting families with anxiety, stress reduction, depression, ADHD, adjustments/transition, and trauma. Lydia employs an eclectic approach as a therapist drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused and somatic approaches. She loves to teach folks how to enjoy a mindful lifestyle and is passionate about helping kids get to know how their own unique brains are working and be able to communicate what they need to those around them. Lydia is also looking forward to the opportunity to bring more parent support services to Kid-SHINE, because a cared for parent is a better caregiver!

In her free time, Lydia enjoys exploring the North Shore with her family, spending time outdoors, reading books and baking gluten free treats. 

Heidi is kidSHINE’s Office Manager. Leadership is everything with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her expertise includes operations management, business development, strategic planning with execution while motivating and bringing the best out in everyone. Heidi has a passion for leading teams and managing business operations, HR/Payroll with a professional demeanor along with bringing a fun and positive attitude.

Heidi is a proud mom of 2 teenage boys that are extremely active in sports. She enjoys triathlon distance races, long distance running and riding her bike.

heidi@kidshine-ot.com

Terri is kidSHINE’s office manager, scheduler, insurance specialist, and sanity keeper. She is a medical billing specialist and certified bookkeeper with over 20 years experience working in medical offices. Terri can answer any questions that current and prospective clients have, and she keeps kidSHINE running smoothly. Terri has a passion for helping families to navigate insurance complexities so that their children can receive all the services they require.

In her free time, Terri loves spending time with her daughters, her two grandchildren and her grand fur babies.

billing@kidshine-ot.com

Sara is the friendly face who welcomes you to our Rowley location, managing all the clinic’s scheduling needs and enjoying every opportunity to interact with caregivers and clients. She’s also the talent behind our email marketing and program promotions, as well as the brains behind our newsletter. With an administrative background in healthcare, an associate’s degree in health science, and experience working with children, Sara is a key part of our team. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her spunky daughter and pets, enjoys the outdoors, and dreams of having a homestead one day.

Lead Occupational Therapy Aide & EXERSHINE Kids POWER Bootcamp Instructor